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A large part of our family life is taken up by hockey. Hockey practices, hockey games, hockey scrimmages, and hockey equipment. My boys can’t get enough of it. If they’re not playing on the ice, they’re playing in our driveway. If the weather is too harsh for outside play, then they’re either watching it on TV or playing it on a video game. They collect hockey cards. Hockey is everywhere and we wouldn’t change a thing! Recently, my younger son and his Mite team took part in the Don Heyliger Memorial Tournament in Dover, NH. It was a weekend away for us and our fellow hockey families, and a chance for me to capture the event in a lifestyle photography session.

My boys love staying at hotels for the weekend. We don’t have to travel far afield, but if there’s a pool (and a TV), they are like pigs in mud.

Our team manager set us up in a great hotel in downtown Portsmouth – one of our favorite cities to visit. We managed to enjoy a little bit of the city in-between the trips to and from the Dover ice arena. I loved being able to stroll with my husband for a couple of blocks to the nearest Starbucks for our morning pick-me-ups.

My boys both play for the Southern NH Cavaliers. This is such a great organization. They are non-profit and really care about the kids and ensuring that the focus is on both skill development AND the enjoyment of the game.

Through hockey, my boys are learning some very valuable life lessons – much beyond the rules of a game and how to score a goal. I read a letter that was titled “A Father’s Wish” today shared by a fellow hockey mom on Facebook. I won’t reproduce the whole thing here, but I greatly empathized with the sentiment. Like most team sports, hockey is about respect – respect for your coach, your fellow players and the referee’s decisions. I loved the lines in the letter:

Teach him to play as a team and never to be selfish. Teach him never to blame his goaltender when a goal is scored against him, because five mistakes were made before the puck got to the goalie.

While the tensions run high on the ice during the tournament, our team knows how to keep the mood light and fun before the games. Boys and girls alike, they can let their hair down in the locker rooms.

Hockey teaches valuable lessons at a young age. We won’t win every game. Winning isn’t everything. It’s the goal, but sometimes we will lose. Sometimes those losses will be hard, especially for younger players. Learning that on the ice helps our players to deal with other losses they will face in life.

When we hear the Zamboni preparing the ice, the locker room gets a buzz. The kids get pumped and their smiles are wide. We happen to have a very good looking team too! These kids adore each other. When they are off the ice, they want nothing more than to spend more time with their teammates.

Coach Bob gets the kids to walk in an “orderly” line – I don’t think one of them will ever forget his “I can’t dance” by Genesis congo line!

What did I say about hockey, hockey, hockey? That’s right – if they’re not playing it on the ice, they’re playing it while they wait to get into the locker room!

We are very fortunate to also have a number of assistant coaches on our team. They are all dads that wanted to get actively involved in the association and their kids’ sports education. We wouldn’t be without their help at practice and on the bench during the games. Thanks, Coach Dan, Coach Mike and Coach Matt for all your help and dedication this year!

Hockey means gear – a lot of it! And the gear has gear! There is a fine art to taping a stick – one that is learned early and practiced often.

Though we may dress smartly and look angelic, sometimes looks can be deceiving….

Soon it’s time to get down to business and get suited up. The first time as a parent that you put your kid’s hockey gear on, it can feel like you are doing a 1000 piece puzzle with no picture to follow. Soon enough, though, you and your hockey star learn exactly what goes where and in what order.

Coach Bob names a team captain for each game – it’s one of the many special touches he gives to his kids’ hockey experience. The kids are so thrilled to be leading their team for that game.

Right before they take the ice, Coach Bob goes over the plays he wants the kids to make. He reminds them where he wants them to place the puck in each scenario. The kids are transfixed, hanging on his every word. And they are not the only ones….

Soon it’s time to line up ready to take the ice. Sometimes, it’s necessary to get some last minute adjustments to your helmet from your older brother.

In hockey, some life-long friendships are made; by players and by parents. You become part of an extended family. A group that you can count on. They have your back as you have theirs.

Sadly we’ll be saying goodbye to Coach Bob at the end of this season, our head coach. We’ve had the privilege to know him, and my boys have learned from his many years of experience and wisdom. Under his tutelage, my sons experienced their very first moments of hockey. He’s taught them so well with care, compassion and, when needed, a firm but fair hand. They don’t make that many Coach Bobs in this world. We were among the lucky ones to be able to call him our “Coach”.

Special thanks to Coach Bob – you have no idea how you will be missed or how much we would like to thank you for everything you have done for our team. If you find you have too much time on your hands, I know a group of young kids and their parents that would be only too happy to see you back on the ice with them.

As this season comes to a close and playoffs are looming, it’s with sadness I think of not seeing the same familiar faces two, three, four times a week. Have a fun summer my Cavs family. Enjoy your lazy afternoons and evenings. We will look forward to seeing you again in late August, and if you’re just as crazy as we are, we’ll see you around the rink this summer too!

Laura is a lifestyle and portrait photographer based in Londonderry, NH, but also serving the surrounding areas of Nashua, Hollis, Brookline and the Greater Boston area. Laura specializes in maternity, newborn, child, family and high school senior photography. Book your lifestyle photography session today by contacting Laura here.

They’re here! The Authentic New England Limited Edition Photo Sessions are ready to be announced. If you follow my Facebook Page, you’ll have seen me recently talk about my excitement over my new collaboration project I have named “Authentic New England”. I know I have been a bit vague on the details. However, while discussions and plans were underway, I just couldn’t help sharing a shot from my publicity session, or dropping some hints about something big coming. I am thrilled to be able to now detail exactly what has me so excited!

Let me back up a little bit though and get personal with you. In early December, my dear friends Erin and Sam Schreier of Inheritance Farm posted to their Facebook page a plea from the heart. A desperate plea brought from desperate times. They were in danger of losing their farm. This wasn’t only their livelihood, it was also the roof over the head of they and their three children. This farm has been in Sam’s family since he was 11 years old and has a rich history. I had celebrated this wonderful couple’s wedding on this property. This wasn’t just another internet sob story that seems to flood our Newsfeeds these days. For me this one was personal. Yes, of course, I would donate to their GoFundMe campaign, but I wanted and needed to do more. The cog wheels of my mind began turning, thinking and creating ways that I could help Erin and Sam with their mission; save Inheritance Farm!

The farm’s tagline is “an inheritance is a transaction between present and future. Leave forward the inheritance of a better world.” Leave forward. Pay it forward. What could I do or give to pay it forward? My mind wandered back to the beautiful house and grounds of the farm. Beautiful rolling fields with mountains in the background. The farmhouse itself a beautiful structure, exactly as you would picture a New England farmhouse with white wooden siding and intricate details. Various farm buildings on the property all exude authentic charm. Inspiration struck and I immediately contacted Erin to socialize my idea and see if she agreed it had legs. Fast forward over some excited exchanges and a collaboration was born. Fleur Foto would use Inheritance Farm as a photo shoot location. Discounts would be offered on the upcoming permaculture workshops that are planned at the farm. Vice versa, discounts would be offered for photo sessions for workshop attendees. Joint marketing was discussed and impetus built. But that wasn’t enough for Erin and Sam. The quintessential givers, they wanted to ensure the collaboration would also benefit their community. As such, our first joint event will be held on April 3rd, and will benefit the Dunbarton Congregational Church. With all that in mind, I am thrilled to present to you Authentic New England – Limited Edition Photo Sessions:

Before I go much further, let me hand over the reins to Erin directly so that she can describe to you what is Inheritance Farm Permaculture and why it is so important.

“In the summer of 2010, Sam and I stood on the edge of a 100 square foot garden in a gown and tuxedo. Rain threatened for the first time in two months; a sign we took as a blessing on our wedding day. Blue-pod peas and pumpkin vines, lush despite the drought thanks to Sam’s ingenuity with water catchment, overflowed with produce destined for our family’s storage and the local food pantry. Two promises were made: to each other, and to the future of this farm that could provide so much for so many.

Years later, the “Giveaway Garden” still thrives, but now with more intention and purpose. It is one of the hands-on learning-and-giving workshops Sam and I will host this year on Inheritance Farm, a 200-acre permaculture education and innovation farm in Chichester, NH. The mission of the farm is multifaceted, reflecting the very essence of a permaculture-based biodiversity. Education, community building, design and return of surplus to those in need are at the core of each workshop, including the five-month Giveaway Garden experience. Each month, a new phase of garden building with permaculture ethics and techniques will be offered as a hands-on learning experience. Between monthly classes, volunteers can participate in ongoing learning and interaction with the garden at weekly “weed meetings,” and take home a share for their efforts. The surplus will be donated to curb hunger in New Hampshire.

The three tenets of permaculture are Earth Care, People Care, and Fair Share. Giving food is only one way the farm strives to give back to the community. Tie-in workshops teach earth care in the form of biochar, alternative heat sources like compost and rocket mass technology; people care events include a discussion group to explore ethics and sustainable solutions, and collaborative efforts with community entrepreneurs like Laura and Fleur Foto Photography. An inheritance is a transaction between present and future. Leave forward the inheritance of a better world.”

Thank you, Erin! You can read more about the farm and its mission in thisfront page article from the Concord Times. With the mention of the upcoming benefit for the church in the article, it was time to formally announce our collaboration and details.

Beginning in early March, a series of limited edition photo sessions will be held at Erin and Sam’s farm in Chichester, NH. The first event will benefit the Dunbarton Congregational Church, with a further event being held April 3rd. As previously mentioned, a portion of the proceeds from these events will be going to Inheritance Farm and any associated beneficiary. These sessions are suitable for all your photographic needs, whether you are seeking a maternity session, wish to announce and capture your engagement, or perhaps it’s been a while since you had family photos taken. We can tailor your time to exactly match your needs. The farm will provide the beautiful and stunning backdrop scenery. You can toast marshmallows at the large fire pit, enjoy tea with homemade bread and jam, and Erin has promised some other hospitality homemade treats. Hair and Make-up by Lydia Acheson available (details upon inquiry). Included in your $150 limited edition photo session fee are the following:

You could be enjoying timeless artwork in your home of images like these:

or these:

Exited? We are! Limited spots are available so get in touch either online or call me today (978) 571-6280 to book your spot for April 3rd, or for future events. To enquire about arrangements for your own fundraising event at the farm, please get in touch! These will be days for community gathering. Days for celebrating all the potential the future holds for the farm. Days to support our friends and days to give back.

I would like to give particular thanks to Lydia Acheson for her time and talent in the realm of hair and make-up arranged for the Dunbarton Church Event package.

Limited Edition Photo Sessions – Authentic New England is part of a photo session series focusing on giving back to the community and supporting Inheritance Farm by Laura of Fleur Foto Photography. Laura is a portrait and lifestyle photographer that specializes in maternity, newborn, child, family and high school seniors. Based in Londonderry, NH, Laura also serves Chichester, Nashua, Hollis, Windham, and the greater Boston area, including Groton, and Newton, MA.

Now that the crazy Fall photography season has come to a close, gifts have been given and holiday cards received, I am excited to share with you some of the great sessions that took place this past Fall. So, let’s kick this off and what better formula for excellent Fall family photos than a great organic farm in Newton, MA that not only featured a cornfield and pumpkin patch, but also a weeping willow by a pond, rolling fields, and beautiful Fall foliage!

My clients seriously make my job easy and fun! What a great time I had with these two adorable and gorgeous girls! They were go go go and had such fun at the farm! We headed off first to the cornfield to play some games.

We pulled some silly faces and chased each other…

…we found a tractor with HUGE wheels we could sit in…

…we picked some flowers and we had piggybacks…

…and of course, they were just generally and absolutely ADORABLE!

You can’t have Fall family photos in New England without featuring a red barn! Don’t you just adore these girls? Oh we giggled, and we hugged…and we may have kept the momentum going with some chocolate M&Ms. Luckily mom came armed and prepared with wipes to hide the evidence!

This entire family just exudes love and fun! That, and unmistakable style! If mom looks familiar to you, then you are correct super sleuths! This is business owner, Karen who was featured on the very first blog post of our relaunch. Karen owns and runs the wonderful Hanu Skincare which uses only organic ingredients. I absolutely love these products and my latest obsession is the French Green Clay Mask – you may have been the recipient of this as a gift this Christmas because I love it so much! I adore repeat clients and greatly treasure the trust given to me in capturing these special family memories. Thank you, Karen and Patrick for this trust, and thank you, girls, for what is to date my most energetic and fun family session.

Laura is Newton, MA family photographer specializing in portrait and lifestyle photography. Laura is based in Londonderry, NH, but serves the surrounding area of Nashua, Windham, Hollis, Salem, Amherst, and into the greater Boston area. The 2016 calendar is filling up quickly. Get in touch today to book your session!

I won’t tell you how many shopping days you have left till the big holidays, but I will say that if you don’t already have gifts planned, you might want to start thinking about that. If you’re anything like me, there are plenty of people on your list who are impossible to shop for; if they want something, they’ve already got it. These people make this time of year incredibly hard for the rest of us who wish to give them a thoughtful, yet personal gift. Well, I’m here to the rescue! Surprise that loved one with a gift certificate for timeless photography. Included in our holiday photography gift card offering for the bargain price of $200 are the following:

A pre-consultation to ensure all your wishes are captured during your session

Order online today and you will receive the following photography gift card in the mail to present to your lucky recipient:

It already feels like Christmas around here with all the deliveries I am making to my clients. It’s so much fun to wrap up your beautiful print products and then see your delighted faces as you open them.

I also wanted to take this opportunity to present to you an exciting new product I am carrying. I just LOVE this product (and judging from those lucky clients that have been able to see my sample, YOU will love it too!) So far, everyone who has seen this, wants it! Available sizes are 5×7 and 8×10 and this is perfect for a bookshelf or a desk.

Laura Bower is portrait and lifestyle photographer, based in Londonderry, NH. She serves Southern NH and the Greater Boston area, including Windham, Hollis, Nashua, Derry, Amherst, down into Groton and Newton, MA. Laura loves to capture natural and emotional connections with her clients.

I don’t know about you, but one thing I find even more entertaining than a good comedy movie is the blooper reel during the end credits. Something about seeing the actors slipping up and cracking up at themselves, just like an ordinary person like you and I, really tickles me (because after all, that’s all they are). After going through the shots I recently took of my own children for this year’s Christmas cards, I thought you would like an insight into my own bloopers and outtakes reel.

First there’s the “really mum?” sullen look of my older son. You know it….your kid does it too.

Then there’s the point when things just start getting silly and they can’t hold it in any longer. Naturally, there’s the 25% of the shots where my older son doesn’t even look at the camera; we can see both of these in the above example.

Then there’s the perplexed look; an improvement on not looking at the camera at all, but still making this 50% unusable for a card picture.

There’s a saying about a cobbler’s child not having any shoes, and I admit that I probably have taken more pictures of other people than my own children at this point. But, I’m happy to report that this year, the Bower children have their feet taken care of…..oh and their Christmas pictures.

I thought you also might a look behind the scenes of a photo shoot, courtesy of my husband and his iPhone camera. Here’s what a typical set-up looks like:

And then there’re the ones which produce the shot….but sometimes you also just have to ride out the silliness….

And then there’s the “be still my heart” shot when you see the grown boy lurking around the corner and it makes you want to just stop time in its tracks.

Looking for a photography to capture a lifestyle or portrait session of your child(ren)? I’d love to learn more about you and your family and craft the perfect session for you. Drop me a line today or give me a call on (978) 571-6280. There will be plenty of bloopers, but I guarantee we’ll capture those unforgettable moments in beautiful artwork for you to display and cherish.

Laura is a Londonderry-based professional photographer, specializing in capturing the personality and the essence of your child. Laura also offers family, newborn, senior and family portraits. Serving Southern NH and the Greater Boston area; also in Londonderry, Derry, Windham, Nashua, Hollis, and Amherst. Get your session booked today to take advantage of special pricing available till the end of the year.